The time is almost here – recreational marijuana will become
legal in Canada on October 17. Like many Christians and non-Christians alike
across our country, I share a deep concern over this issue. Even with the
proposed age limit restricting marijuana use to persons over 18 or 19, the
potential negative impact on youth – to say nothing of families, schools and
places of work – cannot be ignored.

Because cannabis has proven to have harmful long-term
effects on mental, emotional and physical well-being, it’s vital to approach it
from a holistic perspective, just as we would with alcohol or junk food or
anything else we might put into our bodies that may potentially harm our
overall health. Here are some articles and resources to help guide you and your
family through this upcoming change.

Talking
with tweens about marijuana“Once pot is legal, are you and Dad going to buy
some?” This question from a 10-year-old followed a news report about
recreational marijuana. A straightforward “no” would have missed an opportunity
to start an important discussion about drugs, about the differences between
what’s legal and what’s safe and smart. But what we should say to our tweens,
and how to frame it in ways that equip them to resist temptation, isn’t always
obvious. Learn how to avoid scare tactics while still sharing facts that will
get kids thinking critically about why avoiding marijuana and other drugs is a
smart, healthy choice.

Q&A:
When your young adult’s smoking potIn some ways, the transition between youth and young
adulthood can be as challenging for parents as it is for their child. Find out where
and how “supervision and influence” need to give way to “invitation and
negotiation” in this troubling season.

Q&A:
Spouse struggles with drug abuseDrug abuse is just one of a number of addictions that
have become strikingly pervasive in contemporary society. It affects men and
women from every age group, every socio-economic stratum, and all walks of
life. Discover how nearly every case of addiction is rooted in the basic human
craving for attachment and relationship.

Whatever this problematic legislation may mean for you or
your family, we want you to know you don’t have to face it alone. If you’d like
to ask for prayer or arrange a free, one-time phone consultation with one of our
registered counsellors, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1.800.661.9800 or email us at [email protected] today.
We’re here to help!